Hanover Residents Share Sobering Accounts of Survival After Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Hanover have opened up about their experiences of profound loss, survival, and strength. This Category Five hurricane, which hit Jamaica on October 28, is considered one of the most powerful cyclones in the nation’s history.
The storm caused extensive damage across several parishes, destroying homes, uprooting trees, and disrupting electricity, water, and communication networks.
Personal Stories of Survival
Tyrese McGregor, a Hanover resident, described the hurricane as a
“traumatic”event. He recalled how
“Hurricane Melissa was so bad… it damaged us. The roof of my home was lifted away, the zinc was flying overhead. I was trembling and it was like my soul went out of my body. I had to run up to my friend for shelter,”he said. McGregor urgently needs essential supplies, especially clean water, as many in his community continue to face hardship.
Lacy Daley shared her relief that her family survived the storm, calling it the most intense weather event she has ever faced. With her five children, nephew, mother, stepfather, and sister all at home, she decided to seek shelter at a neighbor’s concrete house. Shortly after, both her home and her mother’s lost their roofs.
“We lost everything, bed, clothes, TV.”
The hurricane’s destruction has left many Hanover residents in desperate need of support as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Author’s summary: Hurricane Melissa left deep scars in Hanover, with residents recounting traumatic damage, loss of homes, and urgent needs for basic essentials in the storm’s aftermath.